Eamon Gilmore
Question:170 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will proceed with plans to cap places on post leaving certificate courses. [25189/98]
Written Answers - Post Leaving Certificate Courses.
Richard Bruton
Question:191 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number on post leaving certificate courses in 1998-9, 1997-8 and 1996-7. [25292/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. I70 and 191 together.
Participation on the programme has rapidly increased under this Government. The figures are as follows: 1993-94, 17,677; 1994-95, 17,644; 1995-96, 17,985; 1996-97, 18,712; 1997-98, 21,263 A total of 22,727 places have been approved on the programme in 1998-9. This expansion is being accompanied by investment of £20 million for PLCs and apprentices under the education technology investment fund, the introduction of maintenance grants with effect from September 1998, substantial investment in equipment for centres providing the international teleservices programme and a new student support scheme towards the cost of placing teleservices students abroad. I remain committed to helping the PLC section to develop in the years ahead.